Yes! The life cycle of auto-flowering cannabis in tents is a fascinating process. Here’s a breakdown of the key stages:
1. Germination: This is the starting point of the life cycle. After soaking the seeds in water for a few hours, they are planted in a growing medium like soil or coco coir. They usually germinate within a few days.
2. Seedling stage: Once germination occurs, the seedlings emerge from the soil. At this stage, they have a single set of leaves called cotyledons. The seedlings are usually kept under fluorescent or LED lights for about 18-24 hours a day until they develop a few sets of true leaves.
3. Vegetative stage: After the seedlings have established themselves, they enter the vegetative stage. During this phase, the plant grows rapidly, developing multiple sets of leaves. Auto-flowering cannabis plants typically require around 18-20 hours of light each day to thrive. Nutrient-rich soil or fertilizers are often used to support healthy growth.
4. Flowering stage: Unlike photoperiod cannabis strains, auto-flowering plants will automatically transition to the flowering stage without depending on light schedules. This typically occurs after around 2-4 weeks of vegetative growth, but can vary depending on the strain and genetics. During the flowering stage, the plants generate buds and start to produce resin.
5. Harvesting: The flowering stage lasts for around 6-10 weeks, depending on the specific strain. Once the buds have fully developed and reached their desired potency, it’s time to harvest. This is determined by monitoring trichome maturity and pistil color. The plants are cut down, and the buds are trimmed, dried, and cured before consumption or further processing.
Throughout the life cycle, it’s crucial to maintain optimal environmental conditions in the tent, including proper temperature, humidity, air circulation, and lighting. This helps ensure healthy growth, maximize yields, and produce high-quality cannabis.